Himalayan Zoological Park

Himalayan Zoological Park in Gangtok (celebrated across Indian wildlife conservation and Himalayan eco tourism as 'Bulbulay Zoo' and the first high altitude zoological park in India's Northeast, sprawling across 205 hectares of dense temperate oak and birch forests atop Bulbulay ridge at an elevation of 1,780 meters / 5,840 feet directly opposite Mount Kanchenjunga, world famous for its spacious natural semi wild enclosures replicating authentic Himalayan habitats, premier conservation breeding center for endangered Red Pandas and Snow Leopards, thriving populations of Himalayan Black Bears, Tibetan Wolves, Clouded Leopards, Blue Sheep / Bharal, Musk Deer, Goral, and over 120 species of native Himalayan birds), located on Bulbulay ridge in Gangtok in Sikkim, stands as Sikkim's premier wildlife conservation sanctuary and eco safari park.

Established in 1991 and recognized by the Central Zoo Authority of India, this innovative wildlife park abandoned traditional iron bar cages in favor of vast open air natural enclosures bounded by natural ravines and deep forest moats, ensuring animals live in stress free conditions identical to their native alpine wilderness.

It's the home of the 2.5 kilometer paved safari road where visitors can drive their private vehicles or enjoy scenic uphill forest walks beneath blooming magnolias and mossy oaks, the dedicated Red Panda breeding center where visitors observe Sikkim's state animal climbing tree branches and munching fresh bamboo leaves, the high altitude leopard enclosures perched along steep rocky ridges, the scenic watchtowers framing unobstructed views of Mount Kanchenjunga, and an intensely peaceful, deeply refreshing forest atmosphere alive with the musical calls of laughingthrushes and mountain breezes.

It represents a rich Sikkim wildlife conservation heritage, high altitude fauna protection, and Himalayan eco tourism where 205 hectare forest safaris, red panda breeding, snow leopard sanctuaries, and Gangtok sightseeing travel unite in Himalayan Zoological Park.

Located at Bulbulay in North Gangtok, it sits 6 km from MG Marg city center, 2 km from Ganesh Tok viewpoint, 4 km from Tashi Viewpoint, and 125 km from Siliguri / NJP, easily reached in 20 minutes by private taxi or sightseeing cab.

The Red Panda Breeding Center & Snow Leopards

As the state animal of Sikkim, the charismatic Red Panda is the primary attraction of the park, living in large wooded enclosures filled with living oak trees and bamboo undergrowth.

The park is also one of the few conservation facilities in South Asia successfully housing and breeding elusive Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolves, and Himalayan Palm Civets in high altitude habitats.

Truth is, catching a glimpse of a furry red panda resting gracefully across a high mossy tree branch will bring an instant smile to your face.

Bulbulay Forest Safari Road & Kanchenjunga Vistas

Drive Through Forest Safari: Spanning 205 hectares, the park allows private cars and taxis to drive slowly along the internal 2.5 km paved loop road, stopping at individual animal enclosures.

Kanchenjunga Watchtower: The upper ridge of Bulbulay features a wooden gazebo viewpoint offering a sweeping 180 degree panorama of the snow clad Kanchenjunga mountain range on clear mornings.

Gangtok North East Ridge Day Tour Plan

The Classic Ridge Tour: Tashi Viewpoint for sunrise (6:00 AM) -> Ganesh Tok (8:30 AM) -> Himalayan Zoological Park (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) -> lunch in Gangtok -> Enchey Monastery -> evening shopping on MG Marg.

Visitor Walking Advice: While driving inside is allowed, walking along the shaded 2.5 km forest trail offers superior birdwatching and peaceful immersion in pure mountain nature.

After exploring the high altitude wildlife of Himalayan Zoological Park, visit Ban Jhakri Falls, tour Rumtek Monastery, or explore Gangtok.